A common European hotels classification system

TheSwedishhotelclassificationis includedin theHotelstarsUnion, whichisa common classification systemforEuropeancountries. At present in addition to Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium, Denmark, Greece and the Finnish islands of Åland take part in the same classification system. The hotels are assessed for 270 criteria and can be awarded between 1 and 5 stars. For hotels with many extra points in each star category, a superior designation can be added.

3 hotel categories

The Swedish classification system comprises three different categories of hotel.

Hotel: This category comprises hotels serving food over and above breakfast. From one to five stars.

Quality of furniture, equipment and overall impression corresponding to the number of stars.Shower gel/shampoo, towels, bath mat, reading light next to the bed, internet access in public areas, shoe polishing facilities.

Additional requirements for hotels with a rating higher than 2*

Quality of furniture, equipment and overall impression corresponding to the number of stars.Reception open for at least 14 hours a day, all rooms have a private bathroom/WC, hairdryer, facial tissues, dressing mirror, luggage rack, workspace, internet access in room, central safe, laundry and ironing service.

Additional requirements for hotels with a rating higher than 3*

Quality of furniture, equipment and overall impression corresponding to the number of stars. Reception open for at least 16 hours a day, hotel staffed 24 hours/day, bar open at least 6 days a week, comfortable seating in the rooms, a safe in the room, internet terminal in public area, minibar or beverages via room service, food via room service (not applicable to Garni hotels), choice of pillows, daily newspapers, sewing service.

A number of supplementary criteria are required for all star ratings, over and above the mandatory ones, in order to achieve a star rating. Hotels that have achieved a higher number of additional points will be awarded a “Superior” rating in addition to the star.

1-4* hotels that only serve breakfast are categorised as “Garni” hotels. Hotels must have a restaurant in order to achieve a 4*Superior rating or higher.

The sign

All classified hotels will receive a sign for display at the entrance to the hotel. The number of stars will, of course, only apply if the sign displays a current year sticker. All signs remain the property of Visita.

The Classification Committee

Formally speaking, the Swedish classification system is handled by a Classification Committee. The Committee is made up of the following eight members:

The operational part of the Swedish classification system is handled by a department within Visita. The Administrative Office is responsible for planning, booking and conducting annual inspections, and for distributing signs and year stickers. The Administrative Office also functions as the Classification Committee's secretariat.